What causes an ear infection?
There are three types of ear infections: external (outer) ear infections, middle ear infections, and inner ear infections.
An outer ear infection occurs when inflammation and swelling involve the ear canal or the outer ear itself. This can be caused by trauma, bug bites, autoimmune diseases, viruses or bacteria. Outer ear infections are typically painful, involve drainage from the ear, and may cause a decrease in hearing.
A middle ear infection is caused by improper drainage of fluid that collects behind the ear drum during a cold, allergy, or upper respiratory infection and the presence of bacteria or viruses. The build up of pressurized pus in the middle ear causes an earache, swelling, and redness. Since the eardrum cannot vibrate properly, the individual may experience hearing problems.
An inner ear infection involves the organs of hearing and balance directly. Individuals have a sudden change in their hearing and/or balance. Oftentimes people experience crippling vertigo, nausea and vomiting. Inner ear infections should be treated as an emergency. High dose steroids are often needed to restore normal inner ear function. Recovery from inner ear infections oftentimes takes weeks to months, and can cause permanent damage to the inner ear organs.